Live Coverage: South Carolina’s Dylan Stewart Crowned “Crunch Time Hero of the Year”
It’s official! Dylan Stewart, freshman defensive end from the University of South Carolina, has been named the “Crunch Time Hero of the Year” in the 2nd annual fan-driven award campaign by PorkRinds.com, the leading hub for pork rind enthusiasts and home to brands like Southern Recipe Pork Rinds.
Stewart emerged as the fan favorite in a season-long vote celebrating the nation’s top performers in high-pressure moments. The “Crunch Time Hero of the Week” campaign spotlights players who made game-changing plays throughout the college football season, and Stewart’s stellar performances made him a standout.
A Stellar Freshman Campaign
Stewart’s dominance on the field began early in 2024, earning him the Week 1 “Crunch Time Hero of the Week” honor. Over the season, he tallied 20 tackles, including 9.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks, alongside three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. His ability to deliver under pressure exemplifies what it means to be a “Crunch Time Hero.”

Mark Singleton, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Rudolph Foods and PorkRinds.com, stated:
“Just like our ‘Crunch Time’ players make game-winning decisions on the field, pork rinds are the best crunch time decision in the snack aisle. We couldn’t be happier that Dylan Stewart was the fan favorite!”
Award Ceremony and Charitable Impact
Winning this prestigious award comes with more than a trophy. Stewart will participate in a special check presentation where he’ll donate $5,000 to FoodShare South Carolina, a Columbia-based charity dedicated to improving access to fresh, healthy produce.
New this year, Stewart will also join Radio Row alongside Rudolph Foods to gear up for the NFL’s biggest event in New Orleans.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The excitement for next season is already building. The “Crunch Time Hero of the Week” campaign will expand its charitable outreach to support the Archer Foundation, a non-profit inspired by six-year-old Archer, who lost his life to DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma). This partnership aims to honor Archer’s legacy while supporting research and families impacted by the disease.
“Archer’s story is a reminder of courage and joy, and we are honored to include his legacy in next year’s campaign,” Rudolph Foods shared.
About the Campaign and Charities
- PorkRinds.com is a one-stop shop for pork rind fans, offering protein-rich, low-carb, gluten-free snacks. Learn more at PorkRinds.com.
- FoodShare South Carolina works to improve food access for families across the state. Visit FoodShareSC.org for more information.
- The Archer Foundation supports families facing DIPG/DMG and funds innovative research to find a cure. Discover more at Archer-Foundation.org.
Stay tuned for more updates as we follow Dylan Stewart’s continued rise and the incredible impact of this unique campaign connecting football, fans, and communities nationwide.